Method and device for the robot-controlled cutting of workpieces to be assembled by means of laser radiation

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for providing an additional use of a consumer item that is primarily focused on a main use, especially a food item, upon purchase. According to said method, an individual code is made available for providing the additional use, this code enabling access to a public data network with a suitable data processing device. A supply of programmes that can be accessed using the individual code is stored in said public data network. The individual code is used to select a programme from said supply programmes. The selected, launched programme remains available for a predetermined access time, the individual code being blocked from further access once access has been gained on a predetermined number of occasions.

[0001] The invention relates to a technique for imparting an extrautility when buying a consumer article aimed primarily at a mainutility, in particular foodstuff, in which an individual code isprovided for imparting the extra utility, by means of which it ispossible to access a public data network via a suitable data-processingdevice.

[0002] The invention also relates to a consumer article with a mainutility, in particular as a foodstuff, and an extra utility, inparticular as a plaything, which for the extra utility contains anindividual code that, using code data, enables access to a public datanetwork for a limited time via a data-processing device with access tothe data network.

[0003] The invention also relates to a database, for operation in apublic data network, that is accessible using an individual codecontaining code data for accessing the database and additional data forindividualization.

[0004] The marketing of consumer articles that provide the purchaserwith multiple utilities is known of. A well-known example is the “KinderSurprise Egg” from the applicant, in which, inside a hollow egg with achocolate/milky-cream shell, there is placed a container in the form ofa two-piece plastic capsule holding small toy figures that may need tobe assembled from building instructions. Thus when buying themilk/chocolate egg, the purchaser obtains both an appetizing piece ofconfectionery and a stimulating toy.

[0005] Although the main target group of these articles are children andyoung people, it has been shown that, owing to the extra utility, adultsare also interested in the article, in particular in order to collectthe toy figures.

[0006] It requires a considerable amount of time and effort tocontinually devise new playthings that can fit into the minimal spaceinside the capsule and enable new variations of the play experience, inparticular the assembly of the plaything. It is also a problem that theplaythings are meant to interest as broad an age range as possible,without smaller children being frustrated by excessive demands, or olderchildren dismissing the article offered as “kids' stuff”.

[0007] The notion to provide a product, for example a drinks bottle,with a code that allows a single access to a specific website on theInternet via a data-processing device, for example to play a video game,is known from WO99/44161. The incentive achieved with this is low,because the extra utility always presents itself in the same form.

[0008] The present invention is based on the problem of extending theextra utility imparted by a consumer article, and designing it to beadaptable in principle to the consumer concerned.

[0009] With this problem as starting point, a technique of the typementioned in the introduction is characterized according to theinvention in that a stock of programs that can be accessed by means ofthe individual code is held on the public data network, in that aprogram can be selected from the stock of programs using the individualcode, in that the started, selected program remains available for accessfor a predetermined time, and in that the individual code is disabledfor further accesses after a predetermined number of accesses.

[0010] In the technique according to the invention, the purchaser of theconsumer article is given an individual code, for example in the form ofa printed alphanumeric code, which the purchaser of the consumer articleas user can utilize with a suitable dataprocessing device to access astock of programs on a public data network, in particular the Internet.This can happen, for instance, by calling up a predetermined address,possibly given with the code, which allows access to a website where itis possible to access the stock of programs by entering the individualcode into the device. A program automatically selected from the programson offer then remains available for access for a predetermined time, forexample 30 minutes, so that the program offered as a surprise can beenjoyed for the predetermined time. After a predetermined number ofaccesses, preferably after one single access, the individual code isdisabled for further accesses.

[0011] The technique according to the invention is particularlyadvantageous if, prior to accessing the stock, personal data is obtainedinteractively from the person accessing the stock, and a suitableprogram is offered based on the personal data entered. The personal datarequired for this may in particular consist of stating the age of theuser, in order to offer programs suitable for that age. It is alsoconceivable to ask for interests in order to offer different programsthat are designed to be primarily educational, primarily passiveentertainment or primarily an interactive game, for example. Programscan be assigned accordingly to one particular group, and the programgroup selected using the user data provided. The selection of theprogram from within the specific program group can be performed by arandom program for the access concerned, or else even predetermined bythe individual code. In the first case mentioned, it is possible toallow the user to access, for instance, the same game later in order toout-perform an earlier performance if applicable. For this purpose, apersonal password for the user can be requested at the end of the accesstime, which can be used to re-open the same program (the same game) at alater access.

[0012] It is highly advantageous for selling the consumer article if anadditional extra utility is imparted in addition to the code, as not allpurchasers have access to a data-processing device to benefit from theextra utility offered with the code. The additional extra utility, inthe form of a small toy known in the art, can be held in a container,carried in the consumer article, that advantageously also holds thecode.

[0013] With the problem presented above as starting point, a consumerarticle of the type mentioned in the introduction is also characterizedaccording to the invention in that the individual code contains codedata for selecting from a stock of programs so that only one selectedprogram can be accessed.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous here if the individual codecontains extra data for individualization that can be used to disablethe individual code after a single use of the code data.

[0015] Further preferred features of the consumer article according tothe invention arise in the description of the preferred embodiments ofthe technique according to the invention.

[0016] In addition, a database, for operation in a public data network,that is accessible in a customary way using an individual codecontaining code data for accessing the database and additional data forindividualization, is suitable for implementing the technique accordingto the invention, if the database is characterized according to theinvention in that a selection is made from a stock of programs in thedatabase using the individual code, so that only one selected programcan be initialized for a predetermined time, and in that the individualcode is automatically disabled after a predetermined number of accesses.

[0017] In the database according to the invention, a programpredetermined by the individual code can be offered for access, oralternatively the individual code is used merely to enable access to theprograms on offer, and an offered program is selected using a selectionprogram, which may be a random-number generator.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, prior to offering a program, aninitialization dialog is opened in which user data is requested, and theoffered program is selected on the basis of the user data provided.

[0019] This occurs advantageously in that in the database one program ineach program group can be opened by the individual code, and theselection of the program group is determined by the user data provided.

[0020] The database according to the invention preferably contains amemory device for used—and thus disabled individual codes. In addition,a memory device can be provided for personal passwords, which areassigned to a program opened when the password is entered. By thismeans, when accessing the stock of programs again using a new individualcode, it is possible to re-open a specific program that has been openedbefore by entering the password, for instance in order to out-perform anearlier game result.

[0021] The database according to the invention is preferably designed tobe isolated, without links to other material on offer. This enablesstrict control of the database, which is necessary if in particularyounger children are also meant to be able to access the database.

[0022] The invention shall be described in more detail below withreference to an exemplary embodiment. When purchasing a consumerarticle, for example a chocolate egg, the purchaser gets a capsule, heldin the chocolate egg, containing a printed alphanumeric code in the formof a batch number and preferably a hitherto customary small toy.Advantageously, a special Internet address of the supplier of theconsumer article is specified in addition to the alphanumeric code.Using a suitable data-processing device, for example a personal computerwith Internet access, the Internet address can be dialed up. A portalsite opens, through which one can be guided by a special figure.

[0023] While wandering through the portal site, personal data,specifically one's age, is entered by clicking on a relevant category offour age ranges. The four age ranges may for example be: 3 to 6 years, 7to 11 years, 12 to 18 years or over 18.

[0024] In addition, one is prompted for the type of surprise that onewould like to experience as an offered program. Possible types are videogames, cartoons, documentation, discoveries, novelties.

[0025] A program belonging to the program group in question is selectedon the basis of the choice of program group and the specified age range,where the selection can be made by a selection program of the database,for example using a random-number generator, or is already preset by theindividual code.

[0026] The opened Internet site is a closed site containing no links toother Internet sites, and is safeguarded against the introduction ofoutside information. The Internet site is also protected, i.e. it is notpossible to download programs or parts of programs, including images ormusic, to the personal computer.

[0027] After the specific program is selected, this program can be usedfor a limited time, for example for about 30 minutes. In particular foryoung people and adults, there is an option to enter a personal passwordat the end of the program, in order to be able to open the specificprogram again at the next Internet access. The password then takespriority, for instance over the selection program of the database.

[0028] Thus it is possible to re-open a video game that measuresperformance or success, in order to improve as far as possible on theresult achieved with this video game.

[0029] Unchecked repeat access using an individual code obtained oncecan be prevented on the part of the database in that the databasecontains a storage device for individual codes that have been used once,so that when an individual code is entered it is compared withindividual codes already saved. If the individual code is already heldin the memory device for “used codes”, then this can be used to identifya repeat access attempt. Access is then refused by the database. Ofcourse it is possible to allow a predetermined number of accesses foreach individual code. Then the used codes are each saved in the memorydevice with a code number for the number of accesses already made.Access is refused when the maximum number of accesses has already beenmade.

[0030] The invention described enables a new method of use of a programdatabase in a public data network is based on the described insulardesign of the database and the strictly limited access to programs inthe database.

1. A technique for imparting an extra utility when buying a consumerarticle aimed primarily at a main utility, in particular foodstuff, inwhich an individual code is provided for imparting the extra utility, bymeans of which it is possible to access a public data network via asuitable data-processing device, characterized in that a stock ofprograms that can be accessed by means of the individual code is held onthe public data network, in that a program can be selected from thestock of programs using the individual code, in that the started,selected program remains available for access for a predetermined time,and in that the individual code is disabled for further accesses after apredetermined number of accesses.
 2. The technique as claimed in claim1, characterized in that prior to accessing the stock, personal data isobtained interactively from the person accessing the stock, and in thata suitable program is offered based on the personal data entered.
 3. Thetechnique as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the programs aredivided into program groups, and in that the program group is selectedusing the user data provided.
 4. The technique as claimed in one ofclaims 1 to 3, characterized in that the selection of the program ispredetermined by the individual code.
 5. The technique as claimed in oneof claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an additional extra utility isimparted in addition to the code.
 6. The technique as claimed in claim5, characterized in that the additional extra utility, in the form of asmall toy, is held in a container carried in the consumer article. 7.The technique as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the code inwritten from is also held in the container.
 8. The technique as claimedin one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the individual code isdisabled after a single access to an offered program.
 9. A consumerarticle with a main utility, in particular as a foodstuff, and an extrautility, in particular as a plaything, which for the extra utilitycontains an individual code that, using code data, enables access to apublic data network for a limited time via a data-processing device withaccess to the data network, characterized in that the individual codecontains code data for selecting from a stock of programs so that onlyone selected program can be accessed.
 10. The consumer article asclaimed in claim 9, characterized in that the individual code containsextra data for individualization that can be used to disable theindividual code after use of the code data.
 11. The consumer article asclaimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized by an object for an additionalextra utility in addition to the code.
 12. The consumer article asclaimed in one of claims 9 to 11, in which the consumer article containsa container for the extra utility, characterized in that the code isplaced in the container in written form.
 13. The consumer article asclaimed in claim 11 and 12, characterized in that the object for theadditional extra utility is also placed in the container.
 14. Adatabase, for operation in a public data network, that is accessibleusing an individual code containing code data for accessing the databaseand additional data for individualization, characterized in that aselection is made from a stock of programs in the database using theindividual code, so that only one selected program can be initializedfor a predetermined time, and in that the individual code isautomatically disabled after a predetermined number of accesses.
 15. Thedatabase as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the individualcode is automatically disabled after one single access to an offeredprogram.
 16. The database as claimed in claim 14 or 15, characterized inthat a program predetermined by the individual code is offered foraccess.
 17. The database as claimed in claim 14 or 15, characterized inthat the individual code is used to enable access to the programs onoffer, and in that an offered program is selected automatically using aselection program.
 18. The database as claimed in one of claims 14 to17, characterized in that prior to offering a program, an initializationdialog is opened in which user data is requested, and in that theoffered program is selected on the basis of the user data provided. 19.The database as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that in thedatabase one program in each program group can be opened by theindividual code, and the selection of the program group is determined bythe user data provided.
 20. The database as claimed in one of claims 14to 19, characterized by a memory device for disabled individual codes.21. The database as claimed in one of claims 14 to 20, characterized bya memory device for personal passwords, which are assigned to a programopened when the password is entered.
 22. The database as claimed in oneof claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the database is designed to beisolated, without links to other material on offer.
 23. The database asclaimed in one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that it is protectedagainst downloading of programs.